Breadcrumb

Recognition statistics 2013

Full equivalence is the most common outcome of the equivalence reviews.

More than 13.000 applications for recognition of foreign professional qualifications were processed in 2013 in Germany. The competent authorities responsible for the recognition procedure compare the applicants’ foreign qualification to the corresponding German qualification in order to determine their equivalence. The key criterion for granting equivalence is that as a result of foreign vocational training the applicant has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for practising that profession in Germany. In addition to formal learning outcomes, relevant work experience or other evidence of competence are taken into consideration.

In most of the cases, full or partial equivalence could be established. Only 4% of the applicants received a negative ruling. One has to bear in mind that partial equivalence is broadly defined and, thus, varies from only limited to large overlaps between the German and the foreign qualification. The significant differences, which can be compensated through the formalized additional training (compensation measures), vary accordingly. The share of those granted full equivalence is, though, very high. They make up 75% of all applicants.

The share of applicants granted full equivalence in Germany varies widely by individual professions and by professional groups. The proportion of applicants who received full equivalence is especially high in the sales and healthcare sectors.

In terms of individual professions the recognition rate in Germany diverges widely. On the one hand, over 90% of master bricklayers and master concrete workers receive full equivalence. Only slightly below this figure is the success rate of applicants who wish to have their license to practice as a dentist or veterinarian recognized.

The success rate of recognition procedures in Germany differs depending on the region where the foreign professional qualification was obtained. It tends to be higher in the regions geographically and culturally close to Germany.

Applicants from Portugal and Spain have the highest chances of positive ruling since their recognition rate stands at about 95% in Germany. The success rate of those from Czech Republic, Austria and Greece is over 90%. Those from Hungary and Slovakia received a positive ruling in over 85% of the cases.